Growing up in the redwoods of California, Mariel Vandersteel spent her weekends at sessions in Irish pubs and summers at fiddle camps in the states and abroad. It was in those communities that she explored different languages on the fiddle and is now fluent in both the groove-based Old-Time and haunting Norwegian fiddle traditions. After living and studying folk music in Norway, Mariel is currently pushing the boundaries of Norway's traditional folk instrument - the hardingfele - in ways that haven't been explored before. Collaborating with versatile guitarist, Jordan Tice, the two carefully choose old traditional melodies then sculpt them with a new energy and exuberance.  

Mariel's debut solo album, Hickory, (on which both Gilchrist and Tice perform) has collected rave reviews and has reached #7 on the National Folk DJ List.